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The Spread Eagle, 119, Forest Rd, Hawkenbury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5BT

The Spread Eagle, 119, Forest Rd, Hawkenbury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5BT

119, Forest Rd, Hawkenbury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5BT

01892 525414

I came here on Thursday evening last week with a friend. When we arrived the dining area was empty, although both bar areas were relatively busy and a table of four people, who appeared to be regulars, arrived about 20 minutes after us. I wasn't the person who wrote the original review on Spy although I had been here before. It had now changed hands and I noted a couple of changes. Firstly, they now served take away fish and chips which I found strange for a public house and perhaps offputting to some, and they had done out the dining area in a nautical theme, this was quite apt given that they now specialise in fish.

We grabbed our seats by the window and were presented with small laminate menus to make our choices from. The size of the menu is deceiving as there is actually plenty to choose from. A good range of starters, a good seleection of fish, then some choices from the grill. A went for the pate whilst I decided on the Thai Fishcakes with sweet chilli dip. Both starters came out well presented, certainly better than your usual standard fayre. A's was a large chunk of good quality pate, served with 4 slices of crusty bread and a salad. He finished all of it. Mine consisted of 3 smallish fishcakes and a salad. Although my fishcakes were very nice with a strong taste of lime and coriander, I suspect they weren't homemade, which is a shame given they have a strong emphasis on fish on the menu. I also think its a shame places don't make their own condiments such as sweet chilli dip, it would be far nicer and not as sickly sweet as the bottled stuff. Thats not a criticism of the Spread Eagle as everywhere seems the same.

For mains A went for the pan fried cod with mango, ginger and leeks. This came out beautifully presented along with a generous portion of veg. A said this was extremely nice. I went for the 10oz rib eye steak. This was served with 'chip shop' chips, tomato, grilled field mushrooms onion rings and peas. There was plenty of it. The rib eye was a great piece of meat, and although slightly overcooked from the medium rare I requested, was extremely nice. I thought the fact that it came with chip shop chips actually a nice touch as I love them myself. They need to do some work on the onion rings though as I struggled to find any onion. They should do thick slabs in the same batter as their cod, I'm sure that would hit the spot!

Overall, I thought it was a good meal. Service was fine and the food was very pleasant. The total bill was around 50 pounds with drinks which I thought very reasonable. The standard is certainly better than most pubs in the area and I will be going back. The La

By TheLa at 01/04/2008 - 23:23 | 2008 | Approved | Kent | Pub | Review | Takeaway | ££/$$ | add new comment | 228 reads

The Spread Eagle

Had a family celebration here Thursday May 1. Mid afternoon, but full menu available. Pleasant staff, lovely light room, good food. sah

By Health Inspector at Sun, 04/05/2008 - 15:15 | reply